Elon Musk has recently intensified his criticism of the UK government, labelling Britain a "tyrannical police state" and endorsing calls for a new election. He also shared a video from Tommy Robinson, a far-right activist currently imprisoned. This escalation comes as the UK is concerned about its relationship with the incoming US administration under President-elect Donald Trump, with Musk being a key adviser.
Over the weekend, Musk taunted Prime Minister Keir Starmer over his declining approval ratings and questioned why Robinson had been imprisoned. Musk's post on his X platform quoted an online petition calling for another election, which has now garnered 2 million signatures. The petition accuses the government of reneging on its election promises.
Starmer's Labour Party, which won a significant majority in July, does not need to call another vote for five years. However, his leadership has been plagued by low approval ratings and recent mass protests by farmers. Musk's comments have drawn sharp responses from UK officials, who have urged him to act responsibly, especially given the ongoing unrest in the country.
Musk's criticism of the UK government is not new. In August, he claimed the country was on the verge of "civil war" following right-wing riots after a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance party. More recently, he accused the UK of going "full Stalin" over increased inheritance tax on farms worth more than $1.25 million, referencing the Soviet Union's farm collectivisation policies under Joseph Stalin.
Asked about Musk's comments on Monday, a spokesperson for Starmer said the prime minister looked forward to working with Trump and "his whole team, including Elon Musk” to develop “the special U.K.-U.S. relationship.”
Musk's latest attacks come on the heels of Trump's election victory, with Musk set to run a new government efficiency drive and having apparent input on foreign affairs. As Starmer's government works to build relations with Trump, Musk continues to criticise it.
Musk has a history of boosting far-right voices on his platform, allowing conspiracy theorists and extremists back onto social media after becoming CEO and sharing their content. His recent comments have significant political implications, especially as he is a key adviser to the incoming US administration.
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